Chapter 314: A Corrupted Heart

The following day, Madelyn attended classes as usual, afterward spending time with Jillian, Josiah, and others. During a playful scuffle, Jillian noticed a wound on Madelyn’s hand and worried, asking, “Madelyn, what happened? How did you get hurt again?”

Josiah sighed, muttering, “What nonsense is this woman up to now? She’s simply beyond…” Madelyn chuckled lightly, replying, “It’s nothing serious, just a minor scrape. No need to worry,” choosing not to elaborate. The matter seemed resolved, so she avoided further explanation to prevent unnecessary concern.

That afternoon, after classes, the group went to the combat training center. Upon arrival, they overheard a group of female coaches gossiping.

“Have you heard? Coach York resigned!”

“No way! She always did a great job. Why quit?”

“Who knows? Her martial arts skills were excellent, but I heard her character wasn’t great.”

“That’s true. She let her students gang up on Coach Wendel’s students.”

“It’s better she left. One less person competing with us for Coach Wendel’s attention.”

“You’re right! Haha!”

The coaches' whispers were filled with curiosity and gossip. Josiah gave Madelyn a curious look. “What did you do to Lindsay?” He suspected Madelyn’s involvement in Coach York’s (Lindsay's) resignation.

Madelyn found it amusing. “What does her resignation have to do with me?” she thought. She considered Coach York’s resignation a swift, intelligent escape from an untenable situation. Justice had already been served, so she didn't dwell on it. The group then resumed martial arts practice.

Later, after training and everyone had gone home, Madelyn returned to the Thorton residence. She found her father, Derek, on the couch, pouring brown pills into his hand. A housekeeper brought him a cup of water. Eunice sat beside Derek, watching expectantly.

Madelyn’s brows furrowed. She instinctively knew the pills weren't beneficial. Without hesitation, she snatched the pills and tossed them in the trash.

“Dad, I bought you medicine! Why are you taking new pills haphazardly?” she asked, her voice laced with barely controlled anger.

Derek started to explain, but Eunice interrupted. “Madelyn, what’s the meaning of this? I worked hard to get this medicine for Dad! How could you throw it away?” she exclaimed angrily.

Madelyn scoffed. “The medicine I bought is high quality!”

“You!” Eunice’s voice rose in indignation. “Just because yours is good, doesn’t mean mine isn’t! We’ve had issues since childhood, but that doesn’t give you the right to bully me!”

Eunice burst into tears, lamenting to Derek, “Dad, you just divorced Mom, and now you won’t accept what I buy you? Do you only love Madelyn? I’m your daughter, too!” Tears streamed down her face.

Madelyn felt nauseous. “Cut the act, Eunice. Is it really that fun to be insincere?”

“Why am I being accused of insincerity? My parents divorced. Am I not allowed to cry?” Eunice’s sobs intensified.

Derek, overwhelmed by the bickering sisters, stepped in, patiently saying, “Maddie, stop. Regardless of the medicine’s effectiveness, Eunice was showing filial piety.” He gathered the remaining pills. “Don’t…”

Madelyn, finding the scene absurd, felt a surge of anger. “What a show of filial piety! Dad, since you think Eunice is so dutiful, let me show you how corrupted her heart really is!”

Immediately, Madelyn retrieved a report from her bag. “Dad, look at this. This is the calming medicine Eunice and her mother gave you. I had it tested; the ingredients aren’t pure. One component is banned in Japrium!”

“What?” Derek was shocked. He examined the report and found evidence of illegal drugs. He was puzzled, though, because he'd found the medicine effective.

Madelyn explained, “Dad, the doctor said it initially calms nerves, but over time it causes dizziness, weakness, strokes, and…,” she trailed off. Derek understood the implication.

He looked at Eunice in disbelief. “Eunice, is this true?”

Eunice panicked and angrily retorted, “Madelyn, don’t spout nonsense! How could I give Dad that kind of medicine?”

Madelyn laughed. “Nonsense? Let’s retest the drugs, then.”

Eunice’s heart leaped. She knew the drugs wouldn’t pass inspection. Disoriented, she used anger to mask her confusion. “Fine, Madelyn. You can’t stand me having a good relationship with Dad!” She snatched the remaining medicine, feigning victimhood.